| The Irish Civil Defence was set up in 1950, to be part of the national defence structure as the necessary civil response to potential hazards which might arise in a war situation. The organisation is designed to undertake non–combatant activities and measures to afford defence against or mitigate the effects on persons and property of an attack on the state or of hazards otherwise arising during a time of war or emergency such as from radioactive fallout, biological or chemical warfare.
Civil Defence is an organisation comprising of approximately 6000 members who voluntarily make themselves available in their spare time. Much of this time is devoted to attending classes to train for situations which is hoped will not happen in real life.
The classes are in many disciplines during this training period. The skills which they require include First Aid, Search and Rescue, Fire Fighting, Boating Techniques, Radiation Monitoring, Radio Communications and Welfare
Civil Defence is split into 32 administrative areas based largely on Local Authority administrative areas. Civil Defence services are delivered by Local Authorities for their own administrative area through their Civil Defence Officer/ Assistant Civil Defence Officer. These Officers are involved in planning, organising and recruiting for Civil Defence.
With the enactment of the Civil Defence Act 2002, the Civil Defence Board has assumed responsibility for Civil Defence at National level. Prior to this, the Civil Defence function at national level was the responsibility of the Minister for Defence and was normally delegated as a specific function to the Minister of State and administered by the Department of Defence.
Legislation
Civil Defence operates under legislation that includes the Air Raid Precautions Act 1939, Air Raid Precautions Amendment Act 1946, Local Government Acts of 1941 to 2001, various Statutory Instruments and the Civil Defence Act 2002.
The Civil Defence Bill was passed by the Dáil on 26th March 2002. The Bill was signed into Law by the President on Friday 12th April 2002 and subsequently became known as the Civil Defence Act 2002.
Headquarters
The Civil Defence HQ is located in Benamore, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. The offices are open from 09:15 to 17:30, Monday to Friday. The Office is located just off the first roundabout you meet entering Roscrea from the Dublin side
Contact Civil Defence
Civil Defence School
Benamore
Roscrea
Co Tipperary
Email: civildefence@defence.irlgov.ie
Web: www.civildefence.ie
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| Telephone Numbers |
| School Office | 0505 25338 |
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| Policy & Planning | (0505) 25330 |
| Finance & Procurement | (0505) 25341 |
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| Fax Number | (0505) 25344 |
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More information on the Civil Defence is available on their website. >> Go to Civil Defence Website
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